California is adjusting its zero-emissions vehicle mandate to help smaller automakers. Rather than completely excusing them from the program, the companies may offer plug-in hybrids and still receive ZEV credits for them.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is starting to announce the expanded Takata airbag inflator recalls. FCA has over 5 million vehicles affected worldwide, and BMW has over 420,000 in the US. Honda's expansion includes 350,000 more Civics and Accords.

Spy shots of the refreshed, 2016 Outlander sitting at port in Japan show the crossover with a new nose very similar to last year's Concept-S. The update officially debuts at the 2015 New York Auto Show in early April.

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II gives a sneak peek at a more angular look for the Japanese brand's future crossovers at the Geneva Motor Show. It might look a lot like the previous XR-PHEV, but the latest interpretation is far more ready for the road.

Mitsubishi is making a more powerful, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque available in the ES and GT trims of the Outlander Sport. Plus, the models get a little extra equipment, too.

Poor exchange rates put a stop to Mitsubishi's plan to import a South Korean-buit midsize sedan from the Renault-Nissan Alliance into the US. However, the Japanese brand is not giving up on selling a future four-door here quite yet.